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CITIZENS OF MECKLENBURO COUNTY, Copy 1 



TWENTIETH DAY OF MAY, 1775, ,. 

I 

fjfl WITH (£l 

| . ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTS, |j 




AND THE 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE CUMBERLAND ASSOCIATION. 



& PUBLISHED BY THE GOVERNOR, 

'is Under the authority and direction of the General Assembly of the State of 

I 



NORTH CAROLINA. 



•«j RALEIGH: 

/2* La-wrests & Lemay, Printers to the State. 



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citizens of meoklenburo county. 



TWENTIETH DAY OF MAY, 1775, 



ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENT^ 



AND THE 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE CUMBERLAND ASSOCIATION 



PUBLISHED BY THE GOVERJVOR t 
*Judet the authority and direction of the General Assembly of the State o' 

/ 

NORTH CAROLINA. 



RALEIGH: 

Lawjibnce & Lkmat, Printers to the State* 
1831. 



PREFACE. 

—»»a©94« — 

The resolution of the General Assembly directing this publication, 
makes it the duty of the Governor to cause to be published in pamphlet 
form the Report of the committee relative to the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence, and the accompanying documents, in the following order, viz. 1. 
The Mecklenburg Declaration, with the names of the Delegates composing 
the meeting; 2. The certificates testifying to the circumstances attending 
the Declaration; and 3. The proceedings of the Cumberland Association. 

In the discharge of this duty, the Governor has deemed it proper to pre- 
fix to the publication the following brief review of the evidence by which 
the authenticity of this interesting portion of the history of North Carolina 
is controverted and sustained. 

On the 30th of April, 1819, the publication marked A, made its appear •> 
ance in the Raleigh Register. It was communicated to the Editors of that 
paper by Doct. Joseph M'Nitt, then and now a citizen of the county of 
Mecklenburg, and was speedily republished in most of the newspapers in 
the Union. A paper containing it (the Essex Register) was, it seems, on 
the 22d June, 1819, enclosed to Mr. Jefferson, by his illustrious compa- 
triot John Adams, accompanied with the remark, that he thought it genu- 
ine; and this suggestion of Mr. Adams elicited the following reply, which 
was at that time published in various newspapers, and has been since given 
to the world in the 4th. volume of Mr. Jefferson's Works, page 314: 

TO JOHN ADAMS. 

" Monticello, July 9, 1819. 

** Dear Sir, — I am in debt to you for your letters of May the 21st, 27th, and June the 22nd. 
The first, delivered me by Mr. Greenwood, gave me the gratification of his acquaintance; and 
a gratification it always is, to be made acquainted with gentlemen of candor, worth, and infor- 
mation, as I found Mr. Greenwood to be. That on the subject of Mr. Samuel Adams Wells, 
shall not be forgotten in time and place, when it can be used to his advantage. 

" But what has attracted my peculiar notice, is the paper from Mecklenburg county, of 
North Carolina, published in the Essex Register, which you were so kind as to enclose in your 
last, of June the 22nd. And you seem to think it genuine. I believe it spurious. I deem it 
to be a very unjustifiable quiz, like that of the volcano, so minutely related to us as having broken 
out in North Carolina, some half dozen years ago, in that part of the country, and perhaps in 
that very county of Mecklenburg, fori do not remember its precise locality. If this paper ba 
really taken from the Raleigh Register, as quoted, I wonder it should have escaped Richie, 
who culls what is good from every paper, as the bee from ever) flower; and the National Intelli- 
gencer, too, which is edited by a North Carolinian: and that the fire should blaze out all at 
once in Essex, one thousand miles from where the spark is said to have fallen. But if really 
taken from the Rale ; gh Register, who is the narrator, and is the name subscribed real, or is it 
as fictitious as the paper itself? It appeals, too, to an original book, wftich is burnt, to Mr. 
Alexander, who is dead, to a joint letter from Caswell, Hughes, and Hooper, all dead, to a co- 
py sent to the dead Caswell, aud another sent to Doctor Williamson, now probably dead, 
whose memory did not recollect, in the history he has written of North Carolina, this gigantio 
step of its county of Mecklenburg. Horry, too, is silent in his history of Marion, whose scene 
of action was the country bordering on Mecklenburg. Ramsay, Marshall, Jones, Girardin, 
Wirt, historians of the adjacent States, all silent. When Mr. Henry's resolutions, far short 
of independence, flew like lightning through every paper, and kindled both sides of the Atlan T 
tic, t k 's flaming declaration of the same date, of the independence of Mecklenburg county, of 
North Carolina, absolving it from the British allegiance, and abjuring all political connection 
with that nation, although sent to Congress, too, is never heard of. It is not known even a 



IV 
twelvemonth after, when a similar proposition is first made in that body. Armed with this, 
bold example, would not you have addressed our timid brethren in peata of thunder, on their 
tardy fears? Would not every advocate of independence have rung the glories of Mecklenburg 
county, in North Carolina, in the ears of the doubting Dickinson and others, who hung so! 
heavily on as! Yet the example of independent Mecklenburg county, in North Carolina, was 
never once quoted. The paper speaks, too, of the continued exertions of their delegation 
(Caswell, Hooper, Hughes,) ' in the cause of liberty and independence.' Now, you remember 
as well as I do, that we had not a greater tory in Congress than Hooper; that Hughes was very 
wavering, sometimes firm, sometimes feeble, according as the day was clear or cloudy; that. 
Caswell, indeed, was a good whig, and kept these gentlemen to the notch, while he was pre- 
sent; but that he left us soon, and their line of conduct became then uncertain until Penn 
came, who fixed Hughes, and the vote of the Slate. I must not be understood as suggesting 
any doubtfulness in the State of North Carolina. No State was more fixed or forward. Nor 
do I affirm, positively, that this paper is a fabrication: because the proof of a negative can only 
be presumptive. But I shall believe it such until positive and solemn proof of its authenticity 
shall be produced. And if the name of MeKnitt be real, and not a part of the fabrication, it 
needs a vindication by the production of such pi oof. For the present, I must be an unbeliever 
in the apocryphal gospel. 

" 1 am glad to learn that Mr. Ticknor has safely returned to his friends; hut should have 
been much more pleased had he accepted the Professorship in our University, which we should 
have offered him in form. Mr. Bowditch,too, refuses us; so fascinating is the vinculum of the 
duke vatale solum. Our wish is to procure natives, where they can be found, like these gen- 
tlemen, of the first order of acquirement in their respective lines; but preferring foreigners of 
the first order to natives of the second, we shall certainly have to go, for several of our Profes- 
sors, to countries more advanced in science than we are. 

"I set out within three or four days for my other home, the distance of which, and its cross, 
mails, are great impediments to epistolary communications. I shall remain there about two 
months; and there, here, and every where, I am and shall always be, affectionately and respect-., 
fully yours. 

" TH: JEFFERSON. 

• The republication of this letter in a work which is intended for, and wilL 
o-o down to posterity, recommended alike by its intrinsic excellence, and, 
the illustrious name of the author, has imposed upon the Legislature the. 
task of proving that, with regard to this particular fact, Mr. Jefferson was 
mistaken, and that his opinion was made up from a very superficial and in- 
accurate examination of the publication in the Raleigh Register, the only 
evidence then before him, and upon which his letter is a commentary. 

The letter itself was evidently written currente calamo r and for that 
reason may not be regarded as a fair subject for severe criticism. It is 
not intended to subject it to such a test, nor is it designed to examine it 
further than may be necessary to the ascertainment of truth. Of the abili- 
ty, the purity, the patriotism of the author, it is unnecessary to speak. — j 
His love of country was not bounded by the confines of Virginia; but it is 
no discredit to his memory that her institutions, her heroes and her states- 
men occupied the first place in his affections. She was emphatically 'the 
mother of great men,' and ' his own, his native land;' and it is no matter of 
surprize that he should be unwilling, without the most ample proof, to 
transfer the brightest page of her history to emblazon the records of a sis- 
ter State. Mr. Wirt's Life of Patrick Henry had just been published, 
and for the latter was claimed the high distinction of having been the first 
to give motion to the ball of the Revolution. Mr. Jefferson himself was 
the author of the Declaration of Independence by Congress, and was not 
disposed to share in any degree the immortality with which it had crown- 
ed him, with a comparatively obscure citizen of North Carolina; and, 
therefore, the evidence which w^s at once satisfactory to Mr. Adams, is by 
him pronounced " to be a very unjustifiable quiz." 






V 

Thu grounds for this opinion, in tlie order in which they arc given 10 Mi\ 
Adams, are, 1. That the story is " like that of the volcano* having broken 
out in that part of the country, and perhaps in that very county of Meck- 
lenburg." -2. "If this paper be really taken from the Raleigh Register, as 
quoted, I wonder it should have escaped Richie," &c. "and that the fire 
should blaze out all at once in Essex, one thousand miles from where the 
spark is said to have fallen." 3. "But if really taken from the Raleigh 
Register, ivho is the narrator, and is the name subscribed real s or is it as 
fictitious as the paper itself?" 4. " It appeals, too, to an original book, 
which is burnt, to Mr. Alexander, who is dead, to a joint letter from Cas- 
well, Hewes and Hooper, all dead, to a copy sent to the dead Caswell, and 
another sent to Doctor Williamson, now probably dead, whose memory did, 
not recollect, in the history he has written of North Carolina, this gigan- 
tic step of its county of 3fecklenburg■, ,, &c. &c. 

Without further remark with regard, to the first point— the quiz about 
the volcano — or the second, whether the " spurious" paper was really pub- 
lished in the Raleigh Register, it is proper to, say,_ in reply ^o the third ar- 
gument, that the name subscribed is reed, that the individual still lives, that 
he is moreover a credible witness, and that it is to his laudable attention 
and exertions that the State is indebted for the preservation of much of the 
testimony which is now offered to the public. The fourth argument de- 
mands, and will receive more particular attention and examination. 

The paper appeals to a book, which is burnt; to Mr. Alexander, who is 
dead; to Messrs. Caswell, Hooper and Hewes, all dead; to a copy sent 
to "the dead Caswell," and another, sent to Doct. Williamson, pro- 
bably dead; are the consecutive facts which Mr. Jefferson states, and on 
which he relies. Admit the premises, and the conclusion would be proba- 
ble, though not inevitable; and a writer of much less ability, if permitted 
to assume his facts* might predicate upon them not only a very plausible,, 
but an unanswerable argument. The very fact, however, on which Mr. 
Jefferson rests, aa the climax of improbabilities, is not only not proved to 
exist, but, upon his own shewing, does not exist; and justifies the remark 
in the outset, that his letter was written in haste, upon a very superficial 
and imperfect view of the subject. The paper does not appeal "to the 
dead Caswell," but to the then living Davie, a native of the section 
of country in which the event occurred, like the former, a distinguished 
hero of the revolution,, and, in every respect, a proper depositary of the 
Record. The following is the statement in question: (See the paper A.) 
(" The foregoing is a true copy of the papers, on the above subject, left in 
my hands by John M'Nitt Alexander, dee'd. I find it mentioned on file, 
that the original book was burned April, 1800. That a copy of the pro- 
ceedings was sent to fHugh Williamson, in New York, then writing ahisto- 

* The hoax alluded to was published in 1812, and represented the volcano as having broken 
out in the neighborhood of the Warm Springs, in Buncombe, a point nearly as distant from the 
county of Mecklenburg as from Monticello. 

f This copy the writer well recollects to have seen in the possession of Doct. Williamson, 
in the year 1793, in Fayetteville, together with a letter to him from John McNitt Alexander, 
and to have conversed with him on the subject. Why it is not mentioned in his History, is not 
strange to any one who knows the State, and has read the book. It cannot be regarded as a 
history of any country. The memorable Report and Resolutions of the Congress of April, 
1776, are alike unnoticed- A correct and satisfactory account of both proceedings, will be 
found in the last chapter of Martin's History of North Carolina, 



i > ni North Carolina, and that a copy was sent t" Gen. W. It. Davie."') 
Gen. Davie died sjior^ly after the date of Mr. Jefferson's letter; but this 
identical copy, known by the writer of these remarks to be in the hand- 
writing of John M'Nitt Alexander, one of the Secretaries of the Mecklen- 
burg meeting, is now in the Executive Office of this State. (See Doct. 
Henderson's certificate, B.) Caswell, Hooper and Hcwes are all dead; but 
Capt. Jack, who was appointed to carry to them, at Philadelphia, this 
Mecklenburg Declaration, lived long enough to bear testimony to the. 
truth; and his statement (C) is circumstantial, explicit and satisfactory. 
If it needed confirmation, it would bo found to be fully sustained by the 
interesting communication (D) of the late Rev. Francis Cummins, D. D. 
of Georgia, to the Hon. Nathaniel Macon. More satisfactory evidence, 
drawn from more respectable sources, Mr. Jefferson, if alive, could not, 
and would not require. It is not hazarding too much to say, that there is 
no one event of the Revolution which has been, or can be more fully or 
clearly authenticated. 

It is, perhaps, needless to multiply proofs, or to extend this article. 
Col. William Polk is a resident of this city, a venerable remnant of the 
revolutionary stock, has passed the. common boundary of human life, and 
in a green old age, is in the full possession of his faculties. His compat- 
riots, Caswell, and Hooper, and Hewes, are dead, but he lives, was present, 
heard his father proclaim the Declaration to the assembled multitude; and 
need it be inquired, in any portion of this Union, if he will be believed? 

The letter (E) of Gen. Joseph Graham, another surviving officer of the 
Revolution, a citizen and a soldier worthy of the best days of the Repub- 
lic, will be read with pleasure and perfect confidence throughout the wide 
range of his acquaintance. 

The extract from the memoir of the late Rev. Humphrey Hunter, (F) 
of Lincoln, is equally explicit, full and satisfactory. He, with several o- 
ther respectable gentlemen, whose statements are appended, was an eye 
witness of what he relates; and the combined testimony of all these indi- 
viduals prove the existence of the Mecklenburg Declaration, and all the 
circumstances connected with it, as fully and clearly as any fact can be 
shewn by human testimony. 

The following extract from " Tim Journal of the Provincial Congress of 
North Carolina, held at Halifax, on the 4th April, 1776," (pa. 11, 12,) 
shews that the first legislative recommendation of a Declaration ov In- 
dependence by the Continental Congress, originated likewise in thu 
State of North Carolina. It is worthy of remark, that John McNilt Alex-, 
under, the Secretary of the meeting, JVaightstell Avery, John Pfifer and 
Robert Irwin, who were conspicuous actors in the proceedings in Meck- 
lenburg, were active and influential members of this Provincial Congress. 

" The select committee to take into consideration tlie usurpations and violences attempted 
and committed by the King and Parliament of Britain against America, and the further 
measures to be taken for frustrating the same, ami for the better defence of this Province, re- 
ported as follows, to wit: 

" It appears to your committee, that pursuant to the plan concerted by the British Ministry 
for subjugating America, the King and Parliament of Great Britain have usurped a power over 
the persons and properties of the people unlimited and uncontrouled; and disregarding their 
humble petitions for peace, liberty and safety, have made divers legislative acts, denouncing 
Mar, famine, and every species ot calamity, against the Continent in general. The British 
fleets and armies have been, and still arc daily employed in destroying the people, and com^ 



> II 

mitting the most horrid devastations on the country. That Governors in different Colouie* 
have declared protection to slaves, who should imbrue their hands in the Mood of their mas- 
ters, That the ships belonging to America are declared pi izes of war, and many of them 
have been violently seized and confiscated. In consequence ot all which multitudes of the 
people have been destroyed, or from easy circumstances reduced to the most lamentable dis- 
tress. 

" And whereas the moderation hitherto manifested by the United Colonies, and their sin- 
cere desire to be reconciled to the mother country on constitutional principles, have procured 
no mitigp.tion of the aforesaid wrongs and usurpations, and no hopes remain of obtaining re- 
dress by those means alone which have been hitherto tried, your committee are of opinion that 
the House should enter into the following s-esolve, to wit: 

" Resolved, That the Delegates tor this Colony in the Continental Congress mi 

IMPOWERF.D TO CONCUR WITH THE DELEGATES OF THE OTHER COLONIES IN DECLARING In- 

dependenc r, anh forming FOREIGN alliances, reserving to this Colony the sole and ex- 
clusive right A f' -ming a Constitution and laws for this Colony, and ot appointing Delegates 
from time to tiiiij, (under the direction of a general representation thereof,) to meet the Dele* 
gatesof the other Colonies, for such purposes as shall be hereafter pointed out. 

" The Congress taking the same into consideration, unanimously concurred therewith." 

The striking similarity of expression in the concluding sentences of the 
Mecklenburg Declaration, and the Declaration by Congress on the 4th of 
July, 1776, has been repeatedly urged and relied upon as disproving the 
authenticity of the former. It is scarcely necessary to reply to this sug- 

fjestion. It is not very strange that men who think alike, should speak a- 
ike upon the same subject, more especially when high toned patriotic 
feeling seeks for utterance. This similarity of expression is not confined, 
however, to these two papers. A comparison of the foregoing resolutions 
with the Declaration, as drawn by Mr. Jefferson, will satisfy the most cre- 
dulous upon this subject. Who suspects Mr. Jefferson of intentional pla- 
giarism? and yet he might be charged with having appropriated the lan- 
guage of the Provincial Legislature, with at least as much propriety as Mr. 
Alexander with having forged the Mecklenburg Declaration. The senti- 
men'° emb lie I by Mr. Jefferson were not peculiar to himself, but adopt- 
ed by him as expressive of the common feeling in the common language of 
sriod. 



DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE 



ACCOMPANYING EOCUIVIENTS. 



REPORT AND RESOLUTIONS, 

Adopted by the Gensi-al Assembly at the session of 1830- '31, upon -which this publioRtioa li 

predicated. 



The committee to whom it was referred to examine, collate and arrange 
in proper order such parts of the Journals of the Provincial Assemblies of 
North Carolina, as relate to the Declaration of American Independence; 
also such documents as relate to the Declaration of Independence made 
by the patriotic men of Mecklenburg in May, 1775; and also such mea- 
sures as relate to the same cause, adopted by the freemen of Cumberland 
county, previous to the fourth of July, 1776, in order to the publication 
and distribution of such documents, having performed the duty assigned 
them, respectfully report: 

That upon an attentive examination of the Journals of the Provincial As- 
sembly of North Carolina, which met at Halifax in the month of April, 
1776, the committee are of opinion, that no selection could be made from 
the said Journal to answer the purpose of the House. But as every thing 
relating to that period, must be interesting to those who value the blessing 
Of national independence, the committee recommend that the whole of the 
Journal be printed, and receive the same extended distribution which the 
resolution of the House contemplates for the proceedings in Mecklenburg 
and Cumberland. This course is deemed by the committee the more pro- 
per, because the Journal is now out of print, and it is highly probable that 
the copy in the possession of the committee is the only one now extant. 

Your committee have also examined, collated and arranged, all the do- 
cuments which have been accessible to them, touching the Declaration of 
Independence by the citizens of Mecklenburg, and the proceedings of the 
freemen of Cumberland. 

By the publication of these papers, it will be fully verified, that as ear- 
ly as the month of May, 1775, a portion of the people of North Carolina, 
sensible that their wrongs could no longer be borne, without sacrificing 
both safety and honor, and that redress so often sought, so patiently wait- 
ed for, and so cruelly delayed, was no longer to be expected, did, by a 
public and solemn act, declare the dissolution of the ties which bound them, 
to the crown and people of Great Britain, and did establish an indepen- 
dent, though temporary government for their own control and direction. 

This first claim of Independence evinces such high sentiments of valor 
. wd cannot, and ought not lightly to esteem th.e honor, 



ifcl 
of having made it The fact of the Declaration should be announced, its 
language should be published and perpetuated, and the names of the gallant 
representatives of Mecklenburg, with whom' it originated, should be pre- 
served from an oblivion, which, should it involve them, would as much 
dishonor us, as injure them. If the thought of Independence did hot first 
occur to them, to them, at least, belongs the proud distinction of having first 
given language to the thdu.gh.ij and it should be known, and, fortunately, 
it can still be conclusively established, that the revolution received its first 
impulse towards Independence, however feeble that impulse might have 
been, in North Carolina. The committee are aware that this assertion has 
elsewhere been received with doubt, and at times met with denial; and it 
is, therefore, believed to be more strongly incumbent upon the House to 
usher to the world the Mecklenburg Declaration, accompanied with such 
testimonials of its genuineness, as shall silence incredulity, and with such 
care for its general diffusion, as shall forever secure it from being forgot- 
ten. And in recounting the causes, the origin and the progress of our re- 
volutionary struggle, till its final issue in acknowledged independence, 
whatever the brilliant achievements of other States may have been, let it 
never be forgotten, that at a period of darkness and oppression, without 
concert with others, without assurances of support from any quarter, a 
few gallant North Carolinians, all fear of consequences lost in a sense of 
their country's wrongs, relying, under Heaven, solely upon themselves, no- 
bly dared to assert, and resolved to maintain that independence, of which, 
whoever might have thought, none had then spoken; and thus earned for 
themselves, and for their fellow-citizens of North Carolina, the honor of 
giving birth to the first Declaration of Independence. 

The committee respectfully recommend the adoption of the following re- 
solutions. 

All of which is submitted. 

THOS. G. POLK, Chr'n 
JOHN BRAGG, 
EVAN ALEXANDER, 
LOUIS D. HENRY, 
ALEX. M'NEILL. 

Resolved, That his Excellency the Governor be directed to cause to be 
published in pamphlet form the above Report and the accompanying docu- 
ments, in the manner and order following, viz. After the Report, first, 
the Mecklenburg Declaration, with the names of the Delegates composing 
the meeting; second, the Certificates, testifying to the circumstances at- 
tending the Declaration; third, the proceedings of the Cumberland Asso- 
ciation; and that he be further directed to have reprinted in like manner, 
separate and distinct from the above, the accompanying Journal of the 
Provincial Assembly, held at Halifax in one thousand seven hundred and 
seventy-six. 

Resolved further, That after publication, the Governor be instructed to 
distribute said documents as follows, to wit: Twenty copies of each to the 
Library of the State; to each of the Libraries at the University, ten co- 
pies; to the Library of the Congress of the United States, ten copies; and 
one copy to each of the Executives of the several States of the Union. 



11 

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 

May 20, 1775. 

NAMES OK THE' DELEGATES PRESENT, 

Col. Thomas Polk, John M'Knitt Alexander, . 

Ephraim Brevard, -. Hezeki'ah Alexander, 

Hezekiah J. Balch, Adam Alexander, 

John Phifer, Charles Alexander, 

Janies Harris, - Zacheus Wilson, Sen. 

William Kennon, Waightstill Avery, 

John Ford, ' Benjamin Patton," 

Richard Barry, Matthew M'Clure, 

Henry Downs, - Neil Morrison, 

. Ezra Alexander, Robert Irwin, 

William Graham, John Flenniken, 

John Queary, ' David Reese, 

Abraham Alexander, Richard Harris, Sen. 

Abraham Alexander was appointed Chairman, and John M'Knitt 
Alexander Clerk. The following resolutions were offered, viz. 

1st. Resolved,. That whosoever directly or indirectly abetted, or in any 
way, form or manner, countenanced the unchartered and dangerous inva- 
sion of our rights, as claimed by Great Britain, is an enemy to this coun- 
try, to America, and to the inherent and inalienable rights of man. 

2d. Resolved* That we the citizens of Mecklenburg county, do hereby 
dissolve the political bands which have connected us to the mother country, 
and hereby absolve ourselves from all allegiance to the British Crown, and 
abjure all political connection, contract, or association, with that nation, 
who have wantonly trampled on our rights and liberties, and inhumanly 
shed the blood of American patriots at Lexington. 

3d. Resolved, That we do hereby declare ourselves a free and indepen- 
dent people; are, and of right ought to be, a sovereign and self-governing 
Association, under the control of no power other than that of our God and 
the general government of the Congress; to the maintenance of which inde- 
pendence, we solemnly pledge to each other our mutual co-operation, out- 
lives, our fortunes, and our most sacred honor. 

4th. Resolved, That as we now acknowledge the existence and control of 
no law or legal officer, civil or military, within this county, we do hereby 
ordain and adopt as a rule of life, all, each and every of our former laws,— 
wherein, nevertheless, the crown of Great Britain never can be considered 
as holding rights, privileges, immunities or authority therein. 

5th. Resolved, That it is further decreed, that all, each and every mili- 
tary officer in this county, is hereby reinstated in his former command and 
authority, he acting conformably to these regulations. And that every 
member present, of this delegation, shall henceforth be a civil officer, viz. 
a Justice of the Peace, in the character of a " Committee-man," to issue 
process, hear and determine all matters of controversy, according to said 
adopted laws, and to preserve peace, union and harmony in said county;—* 
and to use ever j exertion to spread the k>ye of country and fire of freedom* 



12 
throughout America, until a more general and organized government be es- 
tablished in this province. 

Alter discussing the foregoing resolves, and arranging bye-laws and re- 
gulations for the government of a .Standing Committee of Public Safety, 
who were selected from these delegates, the whole proceedings were unan- 
imously adopted and signed. A select committee was then appointed to 
draw a more full and definite statement of grievances, and a more formal 
declaration of independence. The Delegation then adjourned about 2 o'- 
clock, A. M. May 2(k 



A 

FROM THE RALEIGH REGISTER, OF A?RIL 30, 1819. 

It is not probably known to many of our readers, that the citizens ot Mecklenburg county, in 
this Stnte, made a Declaration ot Independence more than a year before Congress made 
theirs. The following Document on the subject has lately come to the hands ot the Editor 
from unquestionable authority, and is published that it may go dowuto posterity. 

North Cabouna, Mecklenburg County,') 
May 20, 1775. 5 

In the spring of 1775, the leading characters of Mecklenburg county, 
stimulated by that enthusiastic patriotism which elevates the mind above 
considerations of individual aggrandizement, and scorning to shelter them- 
selves from the impending storm by submission to lawless power, &c. &c. 
held several detached meetings, in each of which the individual senti- 
ments were, "that the cause of Boston was the cause of all; that their 
destinies were indissolubly connected with those of their Eastern fellow-ci- 
tizens — and that they must either submit to all the impositions which an un- 
principled, and to them an unrepresented, Parliament might impose — or 
support their brethren who were doomed to sustain the first shock of that 
power, which, if successful there, would ultimately overwhelm all in the 
common calamity." Conformably to these principles, Colonel T. Polk, 
through solicitation, issued an order to each Captain's company in the 
county of Mecklenburg, (then comprising the present county of Cabar- 
rus,) directing each militia company to elect two persons, and delegate to 
them ample power to devise ways and means to aid and assist their suffer- 
ing brethren in Boston, and also generally to adopt measures to extricate 
themselves from the impending storm, and to secure unimpaired their ina- 
lienable rights, privileges and liberties, from the dominant grasp of British 
imposition and tyranny. 

In conformity to said order, on the 19th of May, 1775, the said delega- 
tion met in Charlotte, vested with unlimited powers; at which time official 
news, by express, arrived of the battle of Lexington on that day of the pre- 
ceding month. Every delegate felt the value and importance of the prize, 
and the awful and solemn crisis which had arrived — every bosom swelled 
with indignation at the malice, inveteracy, and insatiable revenge, de- 
veloped in the late attack at Lexington. The universal sentiment was: let 
"us not flatter ourselves that popular harangues, or resolves; that popular 
vapour will avert the storm, or vanquish our common enemy — let us deli- 
berate — let us calculate the issue — the probable result; and then let us act 
with energy, as brethren leagued to preserve our property — our lives — and 
what is still more endearing, the liberties of America. Abraham Alexan- 
der was then elected Chairman, and John M^Knitt Alexander, Clerk. 
After a free and full discussion of the various objects for which the delega- 
tion had been convened, it was unanimously ordained — 

1. Resolved, That whoever directly or indirectly abetted, or in any way, 
form, or manner, countenanced the unchartered and dangerous invasion of 
our rights, as claimed by Great Britain, is an enemy to this country— to 
America— and to the inherent and inalienable rights of man. 



14 

%. Resolved, That we the citizens of Mecklenburg county, do hereby 
<rissolve the political bands which have connected us to the Mother Coun- 
try, and hereby absolve ourselves from all allegiance to the British Crown, 
and abjure all political connection, contract, or association, with that na- 
tion, who have wantonly trampled on our rights and liberties — and inhu- 
manly shed the innocent blood of American patriots at Lexington. 

3. Resolved, That we do hereby declare ourselves a free and indepen- 
dent people, are, and of right ought to be, a sovereign and self-governing 
Association, under the control of no power other than that of our God 
and the General Government of the Congress; to the maintenance of which 
independence, we solemnly pledge to each other, our mutual co-operation, 
our lives, our fortunes, and our most sacred honor. 

4. Resolved, That as we now acknowledge the existence and control of 
no law or legal officer, civil or military, within this county, we do hereby 
ordain and adopt, as a ruleof life, all,, each and every of our former laws, 
wherein, nevertheless, the Crown of Great Britain never can be consider- 
ed as holding rights, privileges, immunities, or authority therein. 

5. Resolved, That it is also further decreed^ that all, each and every 
military officer in this county, is hereby reinstated to his former command 
and authority, he acting conformably to these regulations. And that eve- 
ry member present of this delegation shall henceforth be a civil officer, viz. 
a Justice of the Peace, in the character of a ' Committee-man,'' to issue 
process, hear and determine all matters of controversy, according to said 
adopted laws, and to preserve peace, and union, and harmony, in said 
county, — and to use every exertion to spread the love of country and fire 
of freedom throughout America, until a more general and organized go- 
vernment be established in this province, 

A number of bye laws were also added, merely to protect the associa- 
tion from confusion, and to regulate their general conduct as citizens. Af- 
ter sitting in the Court House all night, neither sleepy, hungry, nor fa- 
tigued, and after discussing every paragraph, they were all passed, sanc- 
tioned, and decreed, unanimously, about 2 o'clock, A. M. May 20. In a 
few days, a deputation of said delegation convened, when C •'. James 
Jack, of Charlotte, was deputed as express to the Congress at : 'adel- 
phia, with a copy of said Resolves and Proceedings, together with a letter 
addressed to our three representatives there, viz. Richard Casivell, Wil- 
liam Hooper and Joseph Hughes — under express injunction, personally, 
and through the State representation, to use all possible means to have said 
proceedings sanctioned and approved by the General Congress. On the 
return of Captain Jack, the delegation learned that their proceedings were 
individually approved by the Members of Congress, but that it was deem- 
ed premature to lay them before the House. A joint letter from said three 
members of Congress was also received, complimentary of the zeal in the 
common cause, and recommending perseverance, order and energy. 

The subsequent harmony, unanimity, and exertion in the cause of liber- 
ty and independence, evidently resulting from these regulations, and the 
continued exertion of said delegation, apparently tranquilised this 
section of the State, and met with the concurrence and high approbation 
of the Council of Safety, who held their sessions at Newbern and Wil- 



1'5 
vr/mgton, alternately, and who confirmed the nomination and acts of fti* 
delegation in their official capacity. 

From this delegation originated the Court of Enquiry of this county, 
who constituted and held their first session in Charlotte — they then held 
their meetings regularly at Charlotte, at Col. James Harris's, and at Col. 
Phifer's, alternately, one week at each place. It was a Civil Court found- 
ed on military process. Before this Judicature, all suspicious persons 
were made to appear, who were formally tried and banished, or continued 
under guard. Its jurisdiction was as Unlimited as toryism, and its de- 
crees as final as the confidence and patriotism of the county. Several 
were arrested and brought before them from Lincoln, Rowan and the adja- 
cent counties. 

[The foregoing is a true copy of the papers on the above subject, left in 
my hands by John M'Knitt Alexander, dec'd. I find it mentioned on file 
that the original book was burned April, 1800. That a copy of the pro- 
ceedings was sent to Hugh Williamson, in New York, then writing a His- 
tory of North Carolina, and that a copy was sent to Gen. W*. R. Davie. 

J. M'KNITT.] 



— -'+G £*<«<— 



s 

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA,? 

Mecklenburg County. ^ 

I, Samuel Henderson, do hereby certify, that the paper annexed was ob- 
tained by me from Maj. William Davie in its present situation, soon after 
the death of his father, Gen. William R, Davie, and given to Doct. Joseph 
M'Knitt by me. In searching for some particular paper, I came across 
this, and, knowing the hand writing of John M'Knitt Alexander, took it 
up, and examined it. Maj. Davie said to me (when asked how it became 
torn) his sisters had torn it, not knowing what it was. 

Given under my hand, this 25th Nov. 1830. 

SAM. HENDERSON. 

[Note. — To this certificate of Doct. Henderson is annexed the copy of the paper A, ori- 
ginally deposited by John M'Knitt Alexander in the hands of Gen. Davie, whose name seems 
to have been mistaken by Mr. Jefferson for that of Gov. Casivell. See preface, pages v & vi. 
This paper is somewhat torn, but is entirely legible, and constitutes the "solemn and posi- 
tive proof of authenticity" which Mr. Jefferson requited, and which would doubtless hava 
been satisfactory, hkd it been submitted to hire- ] 



,;; 



CAPTAIN JACK'S CERTIFICATE. 

having seen in the newspapers some pieces respecting the Declaration 
of Independence by the people of Mecklenburg county, in the State of 
North Carolina, in May, 1775, and being solicited to state what I know of 
that transaction; I would observe, that for some time previous to, and at 
the time those resolutions were agreed upon, 1 resided in the town of Char- 
lotte, Mecklenburg county; was privy to a number of meetings of some of 
the most influential and leading characters of that county on the subject, 
before the final adoption of the resolutions— and at the time they were a- 
dopted; among those who appeared to take the lead, may be mentioned 
Hezekiah Alexander, who generally acted as Chairman, John M'Knitt 
Alexander,, as Secretary, Abraham Alexander, Adam Alexander, Maj. 
John Davidson, Maj. (afterwards) Gen. Wm. Davidson, Col. Thomas 
Polk, Ezekiel Polk, Dr. Ephraim Brevard, Samuel Martin, Duncan Ochle- 
tree, William Willson, Robert Irvin. 

When the resolutions were finally agreed on, they were publicly pro- 
claimed from the court-house door in the town of Charlotte, and received 
with every demonstration of joy by the inhabitants. 

I was then solicited to be the bearer of the proceedings to Congress. I 
set out the following month, say June, and in passing through Salisbury, 
the General Court was sitting — at the request of the court I handed a copy 
of the resolutions to Col. Kennon, an Attorney, and they were read aloud 
in open court. Major William Davidson, and Mr. Avery, an attorney* 
called on me at my lodgings the eveningafter, and observed, they had heard 
of but one person, (a Mr. Beard) but approved of them. 

I then proceeded on to Philadelphia, and delivered the Mecklenburg- 
Declaration of Independence of May, 1775, to Richard Caswell and Wil- 
liam Hooper, the Delegates to Congress from the State of North-Carolina. 

I am now in the eighty-eighth year of my age, residing in the county of 
Elbert, in the State of Georgia. I was in the Revolutionary War, from the 
commencement to the close. I would further observe, that the Rev. Fran- 
cis Cummins, a Presbyterian Clergyman, of Greene county, in this State, 
was a student in the town of Charlotte at the time of the adoption of the 
resolutions, and is as well, or perhaps better acquainted with the proceed- 
ings at that time, than any man now living. 

Col. William Polk, of Raleigh, in North-Carolina, was living with his fa- 
ther Thomas, in Charlotte, at the time I have been speaking of, and al- 
though then too young to be forward in the business, yet the leading cir- 
cumstances I have related cannot have escaped his recollection. 

JAMES JACK. 
Signed this 7th Dec. 1819, in presence of 
JOB WESTON, C. C. O. 
JAMES OLIVER, Atto, at Law, 



J7 

C * 

NORTH CAROLINA, 
Cabarrus County, Nov. 29, 1830. 

Wc, the undersigned, do hereby certify that we have frequently heard 
William S. Alexander, dec'd, say that he, the said Win. S. Alexander, 
was at Philadelphia, on mercantile business, in the early part of the sum- 
mer of 1775, say in June; and that on the day 'that Gen. Washington left 
Philadelphia to take the command of the Northern army, he, the said Win. 
3. Alexander, met with Capt. James Jack, who informed him, the said 
William S. Alexander, that he, the said James Jack, was there as the agent 
or bearer of the Declaration of Independence made in Charlotte, on the 
twentieth day of May, seventeen hundred and seventy-five, by the citi- 
zens of Mecklenburg, then including Cabarrus, with instructions to pre- 
sent the same to the Delegates from North Carolina, and by them to be laid 
before Congress, and which he said he had done; in which Declaration the 
aforesaid citizens of Mecklenburg renounced their allegiance to the crown 
of Great Britain, and set up government for themselves, under the title 
of The Committee of Safety. 

Given under our hands the date above written. 

ALPHONSO ALEXANDER, 
AMOS ALEXANDER,, 
J. M'KNITT, 



— -•>9®e»« 



jLexington, (Georgia,) November 16, 1819. 

Dear Sir, — The bearer, the Hon. Thomas W. Cobb, has suggested to 
me that you had a desire to know something particularly of the proceedings 
of the citizens of Mecklenburg county, in North-Carolina, about the begin- 
ning of our Revolutionary War. 

Previous to my becoming more particular, I will suppose you remember 
the Regulation business, which took its rise in or before the year 1770, and 
issued and ended in a battle between the Regulators and Governor Tryon, 
in the spring of 1771. Some of the Regulators were killed, and the whole 
dispersed. The Regulators' conduct " was a rudis indigestaque 7?io/es," 
as Ovid says, about the beginning of creation; but the embryotic principles 
of the Revolution were in their temper and views. They wanted strength, 
consistency, a Congress and a Washington at their head. Tryon sent his 
officers and minions through the State, and imposed the oath of allegiance 
upon the people, even as far up as Mecklenburg county. In the year 1775, 
after our Revolution began, the principal characters of Mecklenburg coun- 
ty met on two sundry days, in Queen's Museum in Charlotte, to digest Ar- 
ticles for a State Constitution, in anticipation that the Province would pro- 
ceed to do so, In this business the leading character? were 5 the Rev* He- 

3 



^ekiah James Balcn, pt graduate oi Pfi.n . ■.. :. ■ lollege, an elegant rvmoLrs 
Waightstill Avery, Esq. Attorney at Law; Hesxkiah and John M'Knitt 
Alexander, Esqrs. GoL Thomas Polk, &£. &c. 

Many men, and young men, (myself one) before magistrates, abjured 
allegiance to George 111, or any other foreign power. At length, in the 
name year, 1775, I think at least positively before July 4th, 1776, the 
males generally of that county, met on a certain day in Charlotte, and from 
the head of the court-house stairs proclaimed Independence on English 
Government, by their h'eraid Col. Thomas Polk. I was present, and saw 
and heard it, and as a young man, and then a student in Queen's Musuem, 
was an agent in these things. I did not then take and keep the dates, and 
cannot, as to date, be so particular as I could wish. Capt. James Jack, 
then of Charlotte, but now of Elbert county, in Georgia, was sent with the 
account of these proceedings to Congress, then in Philadelphia— and brought 
back to the county, the thanks of Congress for their zeal' — and the advice of 
Congress to be a little more patient, until Congress should take the mea- 
sures thought to be best, 

I would suppose, sir, that some minutes of these things must be found 
among the records of the first Congress, that would perfectly settle, their 
dates. I am perfectly sure, being present at the whole of them, they were 
before our National Declaration of independence. 

Hon. Sir, if the above few things can afford you any gratification, it will 
add to the happiness of your friend and humble servant. 

FRANCIS CUMMINS. 

Hon- Nathaniel Macon, 



SI 

Vesuvius I\iruaa, Aih uciouer, 18SQ, 

Deau Sir,— -Agreeably to your request, I will give you the details of 
the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence on the 20th of May, 1775, 
as well as I can recollect after a lapse of fifty-five years. I was then a 
lad about half grown, was present on that occasion (a looker on.) 

During the Winter and Spring preceding that event, several popular 
meetings of the people were held in Charlotte: two of which I attended. — 
Papers were read, grievances stated, and public measures discussed. As 
printing was not then common in the South, the papers were mostly manu- 
script; one or more of which was from the pen of the Reverend Doctor 
Reese, (then of Mecklenburg,) which met with general approbation, and 
copies of it circulated. It is to be regretted that those and other papers 
published at that period, and the journal of their proceedings, are lost.— ■ 
They would show much of the spirit and tone of thinking which prepared 
them for the measures they afterwards adopted. 

On the 20th of May, 1775, besides the two persons elected from each 
militia company, (usually called Committee-men,) a much larger number 
of citizens attended in Charlotte than at any former meeting-— perhaps half 



19 
. .Git in the county. The news of the battle of Lexington, the 19lh of 
April preceding, had arrived. There appeared union* the people much 
excitement. The committee were organized in the court house by ap- 
pointing Abraham Alexander, Esq. Chairman, and John M'Knitt Alexaa* 
aer, Esq. Clerk or Secretary to the meeting. 

After reading a number of papers as usual, and much animated discus- 
sion, the question was taken, and they resolved to declare, themselves in- 
dependent. One among other reasons offered, that the King or Ministry 
bad, by proclamation or some edict, declared the Colonies out of the pro- 
tection of the British Crown; they ought, therefore, to declare themselves 
out of his protection, and resolve on independence. That their proceed- 
ings might be in due form, a sub-committee, consisting of Doctor Ephraim 
Brevard, a Mr. Kennon, an attorney, and a third person, whom I do r.ot 
recollect, were appointed to draft their Declaration. They retired from 
the court house for some time: but the committee continued in session in 
it. One circumstance occurred 1 distinctly remember: A member of the 
committee, who had said but little : before, addressed the Chairman as fol- 
lows: " If you resolve on independence, how shall we all be absolved from 
the obligations of the oatli we took to be true to King George the 3d about 
four years ago, after the Regulation battle, when we were, sworn whole 
militia companies together. I should be glad to know how gentlemen can 
clear their consciences after taking that oath." This speech produced 
confusion. The Chairman could scarcely preserve order, so many wish- 
ed to reply. There appeared great indignation and contempt at the speech 
of the member. Some said it was nonsense; others that allegiance and 
protection were reciprocal; when protection was withdrawn, allegiance 
ceased; that the oath was only binding while the King protected us in the 
enjoyment of our rights and liberties as they existed at the time it was 
taken; which he had not done, but now declared us out of his protection; 
therefore was not binding. Any man who would interpret it otherwise,- 
was a fool. By way of illustration, (pointing to a green tree near the court 
house,) stated, if he was s'worn to do any thing as long as the leaves con- 
tinued on that tree, it was so long binding; but when the leaves fell, he JJ 
was discharged from its obligation. This was said to be certainly applica- 
ble in the present case. Out of respect for a worthy citizen, long since 
deceased, and his respectable connexions, I forbear to mention names; 
for, though he was a friend to the cause, a suspicion rested on him in the " 
public mind for some time after. 

The-sub-committee appointed to draft the resolutions returned, and Doc- 
tor Ephraim Brevard read their report, as near as I can recollect, in the 
very words we>,have since seen them several times in print. It was unan- 
imously adopted, and shortly after it was moved and seconded to have 
proclamation made and the people collected, that the proceedings be read 
at the court house door, in order that all might hear them. It was done, 
and they were received with enthusiasm. It was then proposed by some 
one aloud to give three cheers and throw up their hats. It was immediate 
ly adopted, and the hats thrown. Several of them lit on the court house 
roof. The owners had some difficulty to reclaim them. 

The foregoing is all from personal knowledge. I understood afterwards 
that Captain James Jack, then of Charlotte, undertook, on the request of 
the committee, to carry a copy of their proceedings to Congress, which 



3.Q 
then sat in Philadelphia^ and on his way, at Salisbury, the tune of tour*, 
Mr. Kennon, who was one of the committee who assisted in drawing the 
Declaration, prevailed on Captain Jack to get his papers, and have them 
read publicly; which was done, and the proceedings met with general ap- 
probation. But two of the Lawyers, John Dunn and a Mr. Booth, dissent- 
ed, and asserted they were treasonable, and endeavored to have Captain 
Jack, detained. lie drew his pistols, and threatened to kill the first mall 
"who would interrupt him, and passed on. The news of this reached Char- 
lotte in a short time after, and the executive of the committee, whom they 
had invested with suitable powers, ordered a party of ten or twelve armed 
horsemen to bring said Lawyers from Salisbury; when they were brought, 
and the case investigated before the committee. Dunn, on giving securi- 
ty and making fair promises, was permitted to return, and Booth was 
sentenced to go to Camden, in South Carolina, out-of the sphere of his in- 
fluence. My brother George Graham and the late Col. John Carruth 
were of the party that went to Salisbury; and it is distinctly remembered 
that, when in Charlotte they came home at night, in order to provide for 
their trip to Camden; and that they and two others of the party took 
Booth to that place. This was the first military expedition from Meck- 
lenburg in the Revolutionary war, and believed to be the first any where- 
to the South, 

Yours respectfully 

j.. graham; 

Djr. Jos. M'Kt. Alexander. 

Mecklenburg, N.. Carolina.. 



EXTRACT FROM THE MEMOIR OF THE LATE REV. HUMPHREY HUNTER 

Orders were presently issued by Col. Thos, Polk to the several militia 
companies, that two men, selected from each corps, should meet at the 
Court-House on the 19th of May, 1775, in order to consult with each other 
upon such measures as might be thought best to be pursued. According- 
ly, on said day a far larger number than two out of each company were 
present. There was some difficulty in choosing the commissioners. To 
have chosen all thought to be worthy, would have rendered the meeting too 
numerous. The following were selected, and styled Delegates, and are 
here given, according to my best recollection, as they were placed on roll: 
Abram Alexander, sen'r, Thomas Polk, Rich'd Harris, sen'r. Adam Alex- 
ander, Richard Barry, John M'Knit Alexander, Neil Morison, Hezekiah 
Alexander, Hezekiah J. Balch, Zacheus Wilson, John Phifer, James Har- 
ris, William Kennon, John Ford, Henry Downs, Ezra Alexander, Wil- 
liam Graham, John Queary, Chas. Alexander, Waitstill Avery, Ephraim 
Brevard, Benjamin Patton, Matthew M'Clure, Robert Irwin, John Flen- 
n,iken, and David Reese. 

Abram Alexander was nominated, and unanimously voted to the Chair: 



21 
John M'Knit Alexander and- Ephraim Brevard were chosen. Secretar,; .-.. 
The Chair being occupied., and the Clerks seated, the House was called to 
order and proceeded to business. Theu a full, a free, and dispassionate 
discussion obtained on the various subjects for which the delegation had 
been convened, and the following resolutions were unanimously ordained, 

1st. Resolved, That whosoever directly or indirectly abetted, or in any 
rvay, form or manner, countenanced the unchartered and dangerous inva- 
sion of our rights, as claimed by Great Britain, is an enemy to this coun- 
try, to America, and to the inherent and inalienable rights of man. 

2d. Resolved, That we, the citizens of Mecklenburg county, do hereby 
dissolve the political bands which have connected us to the mother country, 
and hereby absolve ourselves from all allegiance to the British Crown, and 
abjure all political connection, contract, or association, with that nation, 
who have wantonly trampled on our rights and liberties, and inhumanly 
shed the blood of American patriots at Lexington. 

3d. Resolved, That we do hereby declare ourselves a free and indepen- 
dent people; are, and of right ought to be, a sw°rei°-n and self-governing 
Association, under the control of no power 0th 4 ? 7, th#n that of our God and 
the general government of the Congress; to the maintenance of which inde- 
pendence, we solemnly pledge to each other our mutual co-operation, our 
lives, our fortunes, and our most sacred honor. 

4th. Resolved, That as we now acknowledge the existence and control of 
no law or legal officer, civil or military, within this county, we do hereby 
ordain and adopt as a rule of life, all, each and every of our former laws, — 
wherein, nevertheless, the crown of Great Britain never can be considered 
as holding rights, privileges, immunities or authority therein. 

5th. Resolved, That it is further decreed, that all, each and every mill 
tary officer in this county, is hereby reinstated in hit turner command and 
authority, he acting conformably to these regulations. And that every 
member present, of this delegation, shall henceforth be a civil officer, viz. 
a Justice of the Peace, in the character of a " Committee-man," to issue 
process, hear and determine all matters of controversy, according to said 
adopted laws, and to preserve peace, union and harmony in said county;—- 
and to use every exertion to spread the love of country and fire of freedom 
throughout America, until a more general and organized government be es- 
tablished in this province. 

Those resolves having been concurred in, bye-laws and regulations for 
the government of a standing Committee of Public Safety were enacted 
and acknowledged. Then a select committee was appointed, to report on 
the ensuing day a full and definite statement of grievances, together with 
a more correct and formal draft of the Declaration of Independence. The 
proceedings having been thus arranged and somewhat in readiness for pro- 
mulgation, the Delegation then adjourned until to-morrow, at 12 o'clock. 

The 20th of May, at 12 o'clock, the Delegation, as above, had conven- 
ed. The select committee were also present, and reported agreeably to 
instructions, viz. a statement of grievances and formal draft of the De- 
claration of Independence, written by Ephraim Brevard, chairman of said 
committee, and read by him to the Delegation. The resolves, bye-laws 
and regulations were read by John M'Knitt Alexander. It was then an- 
nounced from the Chair, are you all agreed? There was not a dissenting 
ro-icev Finally, the whole proceedings were read distinctly and audibly, 



:' the Gourt-Hoiiee floor, by Col. Thomas Polk, to a large, respectable and 
oving assi m »la; of citizens, who were present, and gave sanction to 
business of the day. A copy of all those transactions were then drawn 
oil*, and given in charge toCapt. James Jack, then of Charlotte, that he 
Id present them to Congres?, then is session in Philadelphia. 
On that memorable day, I was 20 years and 14 days of age, a very deep- 
ly interested spectator, recollecting the dire hand of oppression that had 
driven me from my native clime, new pursuing me in this happy asylum, 
end seeking to bind again in the fetters of bondage. 

On the return of Capt. Jack, he reported that Congress, individually, 
manifested their entire approbation of the conduct of the Mecklenburg 
citizens; but deemed it premature to lay them officially before the House. 



Kote. — The foregoing extract is copied from a manuscript account of the Revolutionary 
"War in the South, addressed by the writer to a friend, who had requested historical infor- 
mation upon this subject. Mr. Hunter was in ihe battle of Camden, and has given an interest* 
»ng narrative of the circumstances connected with the death of Baron De Kalb. The manu- 
script gives the biography of the writer, from which it appears he was a native of Ireland, and 
born on the 14th ol May, r755. and at an early age emigrated (rem hi? native land to Hie Pro 
viftee of North Carolina. 



AUI3ITIONAI, PAPERS, 

NOT PARI1CULARLY REFERRED TO IN THE PREFACE, 



FROM THE RALEIGH REGISTER, OF FEBRUARY 1<8, 1820". 

MECKLENBURG DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 

When this Declaration was first published in Api.il last, some doubts were expressed ir> UuJ 
Eastern papers as to its authenticity, (none of the Histories of the Revolution having noticed 

tbe circumstance ) Col. William Polk, of this City, (who, though a mere youth at the 
time, was present at the meeting which made the Declaration, and w hose Father being Colo* 
wl of the county, appears to have acted a conspicuous part en the occasion,) observing this, 
assured us of the correctness of the facts generally, though he thought there were errors as 
to the name of the Secretary, See. and said that he should probably be able to correct these, 
itid throw some further light on the subject, by enquiries amongst some of his old friends in 
Mecklenburg county, lie has accordingly made enquiries) and communicated to us the fol- 
lowing Documents as the result, which, we presume, will do away till doubts on the subject 

CERTIFICATE. 

STATE OF NORTH-CAROLINA, ? 

MECKLENBURG COUNTY. 3 

At the request of Col. "William Polk, of Raleigh, made to Major-Gene 
ml George Graham, soliciting him to procure all the information that could 
be obtained at this late period, of the transactions which took place in the 
county of Mecklenburg, in the year 1775, as it respected the people of that 
county having declared Independence; of the time when the Declaration 
was made; who were the principal movers and leaders, and the members 
who composed the body of Patriots who made the Declaration, and signed 
the same. 

We, the undersigned citizens of the said county, and of the several ages 
set forth opposite to each of our names, do certify, and on our honor de- 
clare, that we were present in the town of Charlotte, in the said county of 
Mecklenburg, on the 19th day of May, 1775, when two persons elected 
from each Captain's Company in said county, appeared as Delegates, to 
take into consideration the state of the country, and to adopt such measures 
as to them seemed best, to secure their lives, liberty, and property, from 
the storm which was gathering, and had burst upon their fellow-citizens to 
the Eastward, by a British Army, under the authority of the British King 
and Parliament. 

The order for the election of Delegates was given by Col. Thomas Polk, 
the commanding officer of the militia of the county, with a request that their 
powers should be ample, touching any measure that should be proposed. 

We do further certify and declare, that to the best of our recollection 
and belief, the delegation was complete from every company, and that the 
meeting took place in the Court-House, about 12 o'clock on the said 19th 
day of. May, 1775, when Abraham Alexander was chosen Chairman, and 
Dr. Ephraim Brevard Secretary. That the Delegates continued in session 
until in the night of that day; that on the 20th they again met, when a com- 
mittee, under the direction of the Delegates, had formed several resolves, 
which were read, and which went to declare themselves, and the people of 
Mecklenburg county, Free and Independent of the King and Parliament of 
Great Britain— and that r rom that day thenceforth, all allegiance and po- 



•24 

'litical relation was absolveci" between the good people of Mecklenburg, and 
the King of Great Britain; which Declaration was signed by every member 
of the Delegation, under the shouts and huzzas of a very large assembly of 
the people of the county, who had come to know the issue ot the meeting. 
We further believe, that the Declaration of Independence was drawn up by 
the Secretary, Dr. Ephraim Brevard, and that it was conceived and brought 
about through the instrumentality and popularity of Col. Thomas Polk, 
Abraham Alexander, John M'Knit Alexander, Adam Alexander, Ephraim 
Brevard, John Phifer, and Hezekiah Alexander, with some others. 

We do further certify and declare, that in a few days after the Delegates 
adjourned, Captain James Jack, of the town of Charlotte, was engaged to 
carry the resolves to the President of Congress, and to our Representa- 
tives — one copy for each; and that his expenses were paid by a voluntary 
subscription. And we do know that Captain Jack executed the trust, and 
returned with answers, both from the President and our Delegates in Con- 
gress, expressive of their entire approbation of the course that had been a- 
dopted, recommending a continuance in The same; and that the time 
would soon be, when the whole Continent would follow our example. 

We further certify and declare, that the measures which were adopted 
at the time before mentioned, had a general influence on the people of this 
county to unite them in the cauge of liberty and the country, at that time; 
that the same unanimity and patriotism continued unimpaired to the close 
of the war; and that the resolutions had considerable effect in harmonising 
the people in two or three adjoining counties. 

That a committee of Safety for the county were elected, who were 
clothed with civil and military power, and under their authority several 
disaffected persons in Rowan, and Tryon (now Lincoln county,) were 
sent for, examined, and conveyed (after it was satisfactorily proven they 
were inimical) to Camden, in South Carolina, for safe-keeping. 

We do further certify, that the acts passed by the committee of Safety, 
were received as the Civil Law of the land in many cases, and that Courts 
of Justice for the decision of controversies between the people were held, 
and we have no recollection that dissatisfaction existed in any instance 
with regard to the judgments of said courts. 

We are not, at this late period, able to give the names of all the Dele- 
gation who formed the Declaration of Independence; but can safely de- 
clare as to the following persons being of the number, viz. Thomas Polk, 
Abraham Alexander, John M'Knitt Alexander, Adam Alexander, Ephraim 
Brevard, John Phifer, Hezekiah James Balsh, Benjamin Patton, Hezekiah 
Alexander, Richard Barry, William Graham, Matthew M'Clure, Robert 
Irwin, Zachias Wilson, Neil Morrison, John Flenniken, John Queary, 
Ezra Alexander. 

In testimony cf all and every part herein set forth, we have hereunto 
set cur hands-, 

GEO. GRAHAM, aged 61, near 6£ 
WM. HUTCHINSON, 68. 
JONAS CLARK, 61. 

RQB'T ROBINSON, 6* 



S5 

EROM .TOHN' SIMESON TO COL. WILLIAM POLK. 

ik Providence, January 20, 1820* 

" Dear Sin, — After considerable delay, occasioned partly to obtain 
What information I could, in addition to my own knowledge of the facts in 
relation to our Declaration of Independence, and partly by a precarious, 
feeble old age, I now write to you in answer to yours of the 24th ult. 

"I have conversed with many of my old friends .and others, and all a- 
gree in the point, but few can state the particulars; for although our county 
is renowned for general intelligence, we have still some that don't lead the 
public prints. You know, in the language of the day, every Province had 
its Congress, and Mecklenburg had its county Congress, as legally chosen 
as any other, and assumed an attitude until then without a precedent; but, 
ilas! those worthies who conceived and executed that bold measure, arc 
no more; and one reason why so little new light can be thrown on an old 
truth, may be this — and I appeal to yourself for the correctness of the re- 
mark — we who are now called Revolutionary men, were then thoughtless, 
precipitate youths; we cared not who conceived the bold act. our business 
was to adopt and support it. Yourself, sir, in your eighteenth year and on 
the spot, your worthy father, the most popular and influential character in 
the county, and yet you cannot state much from recollection. Your father, 
as commanding officer of the county, issued orders to the Captains to ap- 
point two men from each company to represent them in the committee. — 
It was done. Neill Morrison, John Flennikin, from this company; Charles 
Alexander, John M'Knitt Alexander, Hezekiah Alexander, Abraham A- 
lexander, Esq. John Phifer, David Reese, Adam Alexander, Dickey Bar- 
ry, John Queary, with others, whose names I cannot obtain. As to the 
names of those who drew up the Declaration, I am inclined to think Doc- 
tor Brevard was the principal, from his known talents in composition. It 
was, however, in substance and form, like that great national act agreed 
on thirteen months after. Ours was towards the close of May, 1775. In 
addition to what I have said, the same committee appointed three men to 
secure all the military stores for the county's use — Thomas Polk, John 
Phifer, and Joseph Kennedy. I was underarms near the head of the line, 
near Col. Polk, and heard him distinctly read a long string of Grievances, 
the Declaration and Militay Order above. I likewise heard Col. Polk have 
two warm disputes with two men of the county, who said the measures 
were rash and unnecessary. He was applauded and they silenced. I was 
then in my 22d year, an enemy to usurpation and tyranny of every kind, 
with a retentive memory, and fond of liberty, that had a doubt arisen in my 
mind that the act would be controverted, proof would not have been want- 
ing; but I comfort myself that none but the self-important peace-party and 
blue-lights of the East, will have the assurance to oppose it any further. 
The biographer of Patrick Henry (Mr. Wirt) says he first suggested Inde- 
pendence in the Virginia Convention; but it is known they did not reduce 
it to action — so that it will pass for nothing. The Courts likewise acted in- 
dependently. I myself heard a dispute take place on the bench, and an 
acting magistrate was actually taken and sent to prison by an order of the 
Chairman* 

4 



.00 

4; Thu'3, sir, have I thrown together all that I can at this time. I am too 
blind to write fair, and too old to write much sense — bu if my deposition 
before the Supreme Court of the United States would add more weight to 
a truth so well known here, it should be at the service of my fellow-citi- 
zens of the county and State generally. 

'■'■I am, sir, your friend and humble servant, 

"JOHN SIMESON, Sen. 

P. S. I will give you a short anecdote. An aged man near me, on be- 
ing asked if he knew anything of this affair, replied, 4 * Och, aye, Tam 
Polk declared Independence lang before any body else." This old man is 81 . 



i>«@e«"~- 



CERTIFICATE OF ISAAC ALEXANDER- 

1 hereby Certify that I was present in Charlotte on the 19th and 20th days 
of May, 1775, when a regular deputation from all the Captains' companies 
of militia in the county of Mecklenburg, to wit: Col. Thomas Polk, Adam 
Alexander, Lieut. Col. Abram Alexander, John M'Knitt Alexander, 
Hezekiah Alexander, Ephraim Brevard and a number of others, who met 
to consult and take measures for the peace and tranquillity of the citizens 
of said county, and who appointed Abraham Alexander their Chairman, 
and Doctor Ephraim Brevard Secretary; who, after clue consultation, de- 
clared themselves absolved from their allegiance to the King of Great 
Britain, and drew up a Declaration of their Independence, which was u- 
nanimously adopted; and employed Capt. James Jack to carry copies there- 
of to Congress, who accordingly went. These are a part of the transact 
tions that took place at that time, as far as my recollection serves me. 

ISAAC ALEXANDER 

Octobers, 1880. 



■ '•(S'G :-• - 



CERTIFICATE OF SAM'L WILSON 

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, 

Mecklenburg County. 

I do hereby certify, that in May, 1775, a committee or delegation frora 
the different militia companies in this county, met in Charlotte; and after 
consulting together, they publicly declared their independence on Great 
Britain, and on her Government. This was done before a large collection 
of people, who highly approved of it. I was then and there present, and 
heard it read from the Court Houee door. Certified by me. 

SAM'L WILSON 



27 

CERTIFICATE OF JOHN DAVIDSON, 

Beaver Dam, October 5, 1836! 

Dkar Sir, — I received your note of the 25th of last month, requiting 
information relative to the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. 
As I am, perhaps, the only person living, who was a member of that Con- 
vention, and being far advanced in years, and not having my mind fre- 
quently directed to that circumstance for some years, I can give you but a 
very succint history of that transaction. There were two men chosen from 
each Captain's company, to meet in Charlotte, to take the subject into con- 
sideration. John M'Knitt Alexander, and myself were chosen from one 
company; and many other members were there that I now recollect, whose 
names I deem unnecessary to mention. When the members met, and were 
perfectly organized for business, a motion was made to declare ourselves 
independent of the Crown of Great Britain, which was carried by a large 
majority. Dr. Ephraim Brevard was then appointed to give us a sketch of 
the Declaration of Independence, which he did. James Jack was appoint- 
ed to take it on to the American Congress, then sitting in Philadelphia, 
with particular instructions to deliver it to the North Carolina Delegation 
in Congress, (Hooper and Caswell.) When Jack returned, he s<ated that 
the Declaration was presented to Congress, and the reply was, that they 
highly esteemed the patriotism of the citizens of Mecklenburg; but toey 
thought the measure too premature. 

I am confident that the Declaration of Independence by the people of 
Mecklenburg was made public at least twelve months before that of the 
Congress of the United States. , 

I do certify that the foregoing statement, relative to the Mecklenburg 
Independence, is correct, and which I am willing to be qualified to, should 
it be required. 

Yours respectfully. 

JOHN DAVIDSON. 

Doct. J. M. Alexander.. 



Note. — The following is a copy ot an original paper furnished by the writer of the foregoing 
certificate, from which it would seem, that from the period of the Mecklenburg Declaration eve- 
ry individual friendly to the \meriean cause was furnished by the Chairman of that meeting, 
Abham Alexander, with testimonials of the character he had assumed; and in this point, of 
view the paper affords strong collateral testimony of the correctness ot many of the foregoing 
certificates. 



North Carouse, Mecklenbtjug Countt, 
November 28, 1775. 

These may certify to all whom they may concern, that the bekrer hereof, William Header- 
69D, is allowed hereto be a true friend to liberty, and signed the Association. 

Certified by ABK'M ALEX 4 N DE R . Chairman 

of the Committee of P. £L 



28 

LETTER FROM J. G. M.. RAMSEVj 

Mecklenburg, T. Oct. 1, l-830 s 

Dear Sir, — Yours of 21st ultimo was duly received. In answer I 
have only to say, that little is in my possession, on the subject alluded to 
which you have not already seen. Subjoined are the certificates of two 
gentlemen of this county, whose respectability and veracity are attested 
by their acquaintances here, as well as by the accompanying testimonials 
of the magistrates in whose neighborhood they reside. With this you will 
also receive extracts from letters on the same subject from gentlemen well 
known to you. and to the country at large. 

I am, very respectfully, yours, &c. 

J. G. M. RAMSEY., 



CERTIFICATE OF JAMES JOHNSON. 

I, James Johnson, now of Knox county, Tennessee, but formerly of 
Mecklenburg county, North Carolina, do hereby certify, that to the best 
of my recollection, in the month of May, 1775, there were several meet- 
ings in Charlotte concerning the impending war. Being young, I was not 
called on to take an active part in the same; but one thing I do positively 
remember, that she (Mecklenburg county) did meet and hold a Conven- 
tion, declared independence, and sent a man to Philadelphia with the pro- 
ceedings. And I do further certify, that I am well acquainted with seve- 
ral of the men who formed or constituted said Convention, viz. John M'- 
Knitt Alexander, Hezekiah Alexander, Abraham Alexander, Adam Ale?;- 
>ander, Robert Irwin, Neill Morrison, John Flenniken, John Queary. 
Certified by me this 1 lth day of October, 1827. 

JAMES JOHNSON. 

In my seventy third year. 



CERTIFICATE OF ELIJAH JOHNSON AJfD JAMES WILHITE. 

We, Elijah Johnson and James Wilhite, acting Justices of the Peace for 
the county of Knox, do certify, that we have been a long time well ac- 
quainted with Samuel Montgomery and James Johnson, both residents of 
Knox county; and that they are entitled to full credit, and any statement 
they may make to implicit confidence. 

Given under our hands and seals this 4th day of October 1830. 

ELIJAH JOHNSON, (Seal.) 
JAMES WILHITE, (Seal.) 

Justices of the Peace for Knox county. 



Note. — Mr. Montgomery's certificate does not purport to state the facts as having co»e 
under his own personal observation. It is therefore omitted in this publication. 



mMW^wxEtm 



CUMBERLAND ASSOCIATION 



At a general meeting of tRe several committees of the district ofWil 
mington, held at the court house in Wilmington, Tuesday the 20th June, 
1775. 

Resolved, That the following association stand as the association of this 
committee, and that it be recommended to the inhabitants of this district to 
sign the same as speedily as possible. 

THE ASSOCIATION. 

The actual commencement of hostilities against the continent by the 
British troops in the bloody scene on the 19th of April last near Boston — 
the increase of arbitrary impositions from a wicked and despotic ministry, 
and the dread of instigated insurrections in the colonies, are causes suffi- 
cient to drive an opprest people to the use of arms: We therefore, the sub- 
scribers of Cumberland county, holding ourselves bound by that most sa- 
cred of all obligations, the duty of good citizens towards an injured country, 
and thoroughly convinced that under our distressed circumstances, we 
shall be justified before you in resisting force by force: do unite ourselves 
under every tie of religion, and honour, and associate as a band in her de- 
fence against every foe; hereby solemnly engaging, that whenever our 
Continental or Provincial councils shall decree it necessary, we will go 
forth and be ready to sacrifice our lives and fortunes to secure her freedom 
and safety: This obligation to continue in full force, until a reconciliation 
shall take place between Great Britain and America, upon constitutional 
principles: an event we most ardently desire; and we will hold all those 
persons inimical to the liberty of the colonies, who shall refuse to subscribe 
to this association, and we will, in all things follow the advice of our Gene- 
ral Committee respecting the purposes aforesaid, the preservation of peace 
and good order, and the safety of individual and private property. 

Robt. Rowan, Lewis Barge, 

Maurice Nowlan, Martin Leonard, 

Theophilus Evans, Thos. Moody, 

Joseph De Lesline, Arthur Council, 

John Overler, David Shephard, 

Micajah Terrell, Peter Messer, 

John Wilson, Thomas Cabein, 

Tho. Rae, Daniel Douse, 

James Emmitt, James Dick, 

Aaron Varden, John Stephenson, 

Oners West, William Bathgate, 

George Fletchey, Charles Stevens, 

James Pearl, John Parker, 



Walter Murray, 
William Gillespie, 
Philip Herin. 
Robert Varner, 
John Elwell, 
David Dunn, 
Simon Bandy, 
Robert Greer, 
Joshua. Had ley, 
William Blocker, 
Saml. Hollingsworth, 
John Glendenin, 
William Carver, 
lames Edmunds, 



;-o- 



John Carraway, 
William Herin, 
David Evans, 
James Gee, 
Benjamin Elwell, 
William White, 
Joseph Greer, 
Thomas White, 
John Junes, 
Robert Council, 
James Giffy, 
Robert Carver, 
Samuel Carver, 
George Barnes, 



1KOM THE RALEIGH REGISTER OF SEPTEMBER 20, 1830. 

We copy the subjoined article from the North Carolina Journal, for the purpose of rendering- 
justice to a Patriot whose reputation has heen assailed, as well as to substantiate the claim 
of North Carolina, to the honor of having been the first to " pledge the lives, the fortunes, 
aud the sacred honor," ot her citizens, in the penlous struggle for emancipation. When -we 
first cast our eyes over Mr. Jefferson's letter in relation to ihis subject, we were struck 
with the contemptuous manner in which Mr. Hooper's name was mentioned, and intended 
investigating the truth of the insinuations, which the distinguished author of the Declination 
of Independence permitted himself to use towauls him, no doubt from a misconception ot 
his character, derived from the prejudiced statements of others. The fact stated by the 
Journal, no doubt from good authority, shows, that so far from having been disaffected in 
the cause, Mr. Hooper was a prominent and zealous co-worker with Franklin, Morris, 
and Lee — an association with whom alone, if no other testimony could be adduced, would be 
sufficient to rescue his name from the appellation of a Tory! 

The publication of Mr. Jefferson's letter of the 9th July, 1819, to Mr. 
Adams, has caused no little surprise. A regard to historical truth, to the 
character of North Carolina, and to the reputation of departed worth, ren- 
ders some notice of that letter proper. 

With every disposition in the world to pay due respect to the memory 
of Mr. Jefferson as the author of the Declaration of American Indepen- 
dence — as a man of talents — as a profound statesman — as a patriot, and as 
a benefactor to his country, we must be allowed to say that he was a man of 
violent prejudices, whose feelings sometimes betrayed his better judgment, 
and that in writing the letter in question, he was guilty of manifest injus- 
tice to the patriotism of North Carolina and to the reputation of one of her 
worthiest and most patriotic citizens. 

The part which North Carolina took in the War of the Revolution, e- 
vinced the patriotism and devotedness of her citizens. She did not stand 
back, and council with prudence, until it was ascertained that all the co- 
lonies would make one common quarrel with Great Britain, on account of 
her oppressions. With generous ardour she promptly came forward, and 
iong before Congress had declared the Independence of the States, in va- 



■si 

nous assemblages of her citizens, she had entered into written engagement! 
to resist the aggressions of Great Britain, and in one of ihim,had actually 
declared her independence of her mother country. If these movements on 
the part of North Carolina were unknown to Mr. Jefferson, it certainly 
formed no reason, with him, to disbelieve them in after times. Neither is 
it any proof that those movements were never made. The truth is, they 
were known, at the time, to her members in Congress, and the probability 
is, to the whole of that body, including Mr. Jefferson also, though they 
may have escaped his recollection. 

The Mecklenburg meeting, and the declaration there adopted, are 
placed beyond all doubt and controversy. We leave this matter and the 
proofs of it to the pamphlet published by Col. Polk, and the remarks of 
the Editors of the Raleigh Register, copied into our columns to-day. Our 
object at this time, is to direct public attention to two other facts, resting 
on indubitable evidence, and which go very far to prove the early stand 
which this State took in the cause of the revolution, and to rescue the re- 
putation of a departed patriot from the obloquy which Mr. Jefferson would 
cast upon it. 

We have, at this moment, before us the original articles of an associa- 
tion for the county of Cumberland, adopted and signed in the month of 
June, 1775, of which an accurate copy is subjoined. Those articles im- 
ply, that associations were formed throughout the whole District of Wil- 
mington, whose objects were the same with the Cumberland association. 
They breathe a spirit of manly resistance scarcely to be expected in those 
who had always lived under colonial bondage, and they looked towards re- 
conciliation with the mother country only upon " Constitutional terms." 
The spirit of patriotism must have been actively instilled into the public 
mind, before associations like this could have found favor with the people: 
the wrongs of the people must have been keenly felt, before men would 
have talked of redressing them by an appeal to arms. In truth, the paper 
which we now present, is of itself, a Declaration of Independence. Of 
its authenticity, there is not a shadow of doubt. Several of those who 
subscribed it, were personally known to us. There are many persons, 
now residing in Fayetteville, who know most of the subscribers, and it has 
not been two years since David Shephard, one of the signers, died in this 
place. The original articles of the association are in the writing of Col. 
Rowan; at his death they passed to his kinsman and represeniative, Wil- 
liam B. Grove, Esq. in whose writing is this endorsement: " Cumberland 
Association, 1775." Upon the death of Mr. Grove, the paper came into 
the possession of Mr. David Hay, who left it, when he removed from this 
State, in the custody of Major Thos. J. Robeson, who is the present hold- 
er of it. [Seethe preceding article, *« Proceedings of the Cumberland 
Association. "] 

The other fact to which we call attention, at this time, refers to that part 
of Mr. Jefferson's letter in which he calls Mr. Hooper a " Tory." 

The reasons, which Mr. Jefferson had for this charge against Mr. Hoop- 
er, he does not give, nor is there any part of Mr. Hooper's life or conduct, 
on which such a charge could be justly made, as far as we ever heard. 
So far from doubtingthe patriotism of Mr. Hooper, the continental Congress, 
of which he was an early member, gave strong and decisive proof, that they 
held his patriotism, his integrity and his intelligence in the very highest 



estimation. Mr. Hooper, together with Doctor Franklin, Rcbert Morris 
and Richard Lee, formed the Secret Committee of Congress, to which was 
confided all intercourse with foreign nations, previous to the Declaration of 
Independence. A more important or confidential committee was never 
raised by any body of men, aud it is very certain, that none but tried and 
well approved patriots would have been placed upon it. This committee 
had the exclusive control over our foreign intercourse: it negotiated with 
France for a supply of arms, ammunition and clothing; it had its secret a- 
gents at several of the Courts of Europe, and to show its powers, and the 
confidence reposed in it by Congress, it is only necessary to mention, that 
when, through their secret agent, Arthur Lee, an agreement had been made 
with the French Government, through Beaumarehais, that the French Court 
should send two thousand pounds sterling worth of arms and ammunition 
to St. Eustatius, Martinique or Cape Franeais, for the use of the Ameri- 
cans, the Committee deemed it necessary to conceal this important infor- 
mation, even from Congress, and did so conceal it, until the situation ot 
affairs rendered its disclosure proper. Would Congress have reposed such 
powers in a man who was a Tory? 

But there is ample testimony of other kinds, to prove Mr. Hooper's de- 
votion to the cause of liberty and his country. — We will soon present to 
the public the proceedings of a Convention held at Johnston court house in 
1775, to vote supplies to the inhabitants of Boston, at which Mr. Hooper 
presided. Our object is not to attack Mr. Jefferson, but to rescue the me- 
mory of Mr. Hooper from unmerited abuse, and to award to North Caroli- 
ua the credit due to her; 

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